Used Car Face-Off: Retro European '3-Doors'

"Amoore100" (amoore100)
09/23/2016 at 20:08 • Filed to: Used Car Face-Off, Volvo, Mini, Volkswagen

During the early to mid 2000's, retro styling was big, especially in America. We had the PT Cruiser, the HHR, the SSR, the Thunderbird, the Prowler, and probably many more cars styled to look like they had just escaped the 1960s. However, this phenomenon was not limited to our shores. In Europe, the revolution started with the controversial New Beetle. In 2001, BMW dropped the Mini brand into the market and their cars quickly found a dedicated following. By 2007, Volvo decided it would play too, and designed a 3 door P1 platform homage to the P1800ES. Which of these Euro-replica coupe/hatches is your favorite?

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While the circular profile of the New Beetle combined with its bud vase might have suggested a particularly dainty side of Volkswagen, the Turbo S variants were anything but. With the 1.8 turbo-four capable of 180 horses through a six-speed manual good for a 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds, this was the next best thing to the limited edition RSi. While its looks may be off-putting, the VW chassis beneath this bubble probably means relatively good handling beneath that retro body. Is just short of $8K a fair deal for this lovely 81K mile coupe? Or is its reliability as bad as the reputation suggests?

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Volvo’s C30 was late to the retro party when it debuted in 2005, but that didn’t stop loyal Volvoists from appreciating its heritage with the P1800ES and 480 turbo hatch. While the steering and controls have been derided as decidedly less precise than, say, Mini’s, the car does handle decently with its Focus chassis and spry turbo-5 making lovely sounds. This car has just under 80K miles and a 6-speed manual to match, is this little Belgian worth just under $9K?

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While the Mini started a minor revolution when it was first introduced for being a lovely-to-drive FWD hatch which wasn’t too hot for daily use, many disliked its plasticky and toy-like interior. This one is a later second gen example with fewer reliability issues than the early ones, but it is the costliest in the group with the least horsepower. At 102K miles on its 6-speed manual, will you take home this Bavarian Brit?

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DISCUSSION (15)

JRapp: now as good as new again > Amoore100
09/23/2016 at 20:15

The Volvo hands down. It seems the least gimmicky of the bunch.

RT > Amoore100
09/23/2016 at 20:21

Never really liked the look of the New Beetle myself, making this a two-horse race between the Volvo and Mini.

I think the Mini would be better mainly because of the the driving experience, but by a hair, I’d say the Volvo is the better deal.

I think this is the same case as the RX-7 vs GT-R used car face off where I picked the car I liked more despite the fact that it was an infinitely worse offer, as far as the money and condition was concerned. I won’t be doing the same mistake twice. So Volvo and GT-R instead of Mini and RX-7.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Amoore100
09/23/2016 at 20:21

The Beetle...no comment. I love the Volvo, but every review I’ve read of it basically ends up saying that it had so much potential but just doesn’t add up. I’d still want to look at one though.

Everything I’ve read about the Mini Cooper says that it’s a pain in the ass to work on, but one of the most fun things on four wheels. So given the option, I’d take that.

Spridget > Amoore100
09/23/2016 at 20:40

Why not use the 500 instead of the Volvo? It’s more directly retro.

Amoore100 > Spridget
09/23/2016 at 21:01

More retro yes, but not quite New Beetle-sized, although I do concede that the C30 is more retro in spirit than in actuality.

Kinja'd!!!

RallyWrench > Amoore100
09/23/2016 at 21:08

I have nothing nice to say about Beetles or 2nd Gen new Minis, so Volvo it is.

Shour, Aloof and Obnoxious > Amoore100
09/23/2016 at 22:21

Beetle is automatically disqualified due to the fact that it isn’t (at least to my knowledge) a three-door. Volvo wins.

Amoore100 > Shour, Aloof and Obnoxious
09/24/2016 at 00:47

Indeed, it’s the only reason ‘3-door’ is in quotes here.

Amoore100 > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
09/24/2016 at 01:13

Yeah, they all have their pluses and minuses. The Beetle is fast, but might handle like shit and break all the time. The Volvo is semi-fast and reliable but drives like a truck. The Mini probably is the best driver but is slowest and more trouble prone. Really it depends on what you want out of your car when it comes down to it.

Amoore100 > RallyWrench
09/24/2016 at 02:43

Nothing? At all?

RallyWrench > Amoore100
09/24/2016 at 02:48

Quite literally not one thing. Well, I suppose the Mini is fun to drive, but BMW completely lost the plot after the first new Mini, which is really a pretty good little car. The Bug is just a ruined plastic Golf that’s harder to work on and is much less useful.

Amoore100 > RT
09/24/2016 at 03:12

Haha, perhaps I should start calling this the ‘Dream Garage’ then if it encourages you to choose your favorites! ;)

Anyways, I commend your practicality on the matter since that’s what’s important in the real world.

Amoore100 > JRapp: now as good as new again
09/24/2016 at 03:13

Least gimmicky but also probably doesn’t drive quite as precisely or well.

Amoore100 > RallyWrench
09/24/2016 at 03:49

Hm, that’s interesting because for me it’s vice versa on the Mini’s; I’ve heard only bad things about the gen 1 2000's era cars but after the gen 2 was released I have heard that they get more reliable...also, no arguments about the Beetle there...

Illegitimus Prime > RallyWrench
09/24/2016 at 05:30

The Mini moniker gets more ironic every year.